How to use a npm package for development without building it every time?

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I am using npm link to point to a local clone of the npm package. In the package.json file of the npm package I have set the entrypoint to dist/index.js. When I develop on the local version I don't want to rebuild the project every time. How can I solve this problem?

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1 Answers

Leave the package.json file entry point set to the dist/index.js file.

Then set a new scripts option in the package.json file to run tsc <filename> -w. This will run the TypeScript Compile command with the watch flag. This will recompile when files change in the directory.

If you have a different flow that doesn't use tsc directly or doesn't support a watch flag then see the link below that usesnodemon.

https://stackoverflow.com/a/48255950/5779200

You can't avoid the build process so it's best to embrace it and understand the advantages of not changing the entry point between the deployment and the development.

  • Simple flow, just press start, and your startup script should run it on its own
  • Same output in Prod and local development means less things to break
  • Auto rebuilding on changes allow for faster development of not having to re-execute commands
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